Site named for new college in Leeds

The new university technical college (UTC) for the Leeds City region could be housed in a grade II listed factory.

UTC Leeds, the specialist new engineering and manufacturing college due to open in September 2016, has announced plans for the redevelopment of the Braime Pressings factory on Hunslet Road.

If permission is granted, surplus space within the building will be restored to create a 5,200m² college with areas for heavy engineering, production lines, a mini factory, classrooms and lecture-style theatres.

The £11m investment will create a modern environment for 600 pupils aged from 14 to 18 years old.

Mark Goldstone, of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and a member of the UTC Leeds steering group, said: “This is a major milestone for the UTC and moves us one step closer to our opening in September 2016. The fact that the college will be located next to a functioning manufacturing plant is an excellent example of how closely linked the college is to industry.”

The application for planning permission for UTC Leeds has now been submitted to Leeds City Council with permission sought for the change of use and alterations to part of the factory.

Founded in Leeds, Braime Pressings is a specialist in metal pressings supplying to the automotive and other industries, with a 125-year history in engineering.

UTC Leeds will provide vocational education for young people from across the Leeds City region: comprising Barnsley, Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield and York.